Latest news with #CleanTok
Tom's Guide
5 days ago
- General
- Tom's Guide
Why are people freezing laundry detergent? Experts say this viral hack is a bad idea
When it comes to laundry days, we all want to make light work of chores, which is why many households are switching to single-use laundry pods. Not only does this cut out the guess work of measuring traditional laundry detergent into your washing machine, but this is more convenient, less messy and easier to store. So it comes as no surprise that the 'CleanTok' community are coming up with their own easy ways to create their own DIY pods. Social media has become a popular platform for viral cleaning hacks, and people sharing their 'genius' tips to make household chores quick and easy. However, experts are warning against this bizarre, laundry detergent trend that may cause more harm than good. TikTok users are now pouring liquid detergent into silicone trays, and freezing it for a few hours to make their homemade pods. In fact, some users have even added scent booster beads to their solution. So why are they doing this? This laundry hack is to prevent people from using way too much liquid detergent for each load, making it more efficient and convenient. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Secondly, standard laundry pods contain a plastic coating that doesn't always properly dissolve in the wash — making frozen pods more eco-friendly. I love it!.🥰Got my clothes smelling good ash!…☺️ But, while this may seem like a logical explanation and will save time, freezing laundry detergent is actually a bad idea. According to experts, certain liquid detergents can freeze more easily than others (leaving a slippery mess), and shouldn't be exposed to extreme temperatures. Because chemical-based, liquid detergents were not designed to be frozen, the ingredients will separate once they thaw in the wash — affecting your overall clean. 'Tide Liquid is specifically formulated to be highly concentrated, so it does not freeze completely due to its low water content,' says Kim Romine, Tide's fabric care scientist to BHG. 'Only detergents with high water content are likely to freeze.' What's more, since chemical-based, liquid detergents were not designed to be frozen, the ingredients will separate once they thaw in the wash — affecting your overall clean. 'Cooling down the temperature will result in some of the components losing their solubility,' added Bryan Quoc Le, PhD, food scientist and founder of Mendocino Food Consulting. 'This is generally not a big deal if the detergent is chemical-based, but if the detergent is bio-based and contains enzymes, this can damage the enzymes and reduce their efficacy.' Expert advice is to always stick to the proper method by pouring the liquid detergent into the dispenser or directly into the machine drum. This will ensure that you always get the best cleaning results from your detergent. After all, the last thing you want is to re-wash your laundry — costing you housework time and money. Also, be sure to avoid these big laundry mistakes you're probably making.
Scotsman
24-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- Scotsman
Scotland wastes 24 million hours spring cleaning but TikTok star reveals top tips on making it less of a burden
With spring in full swing, it's our annual chance to refresh, declutter and reset our homes. Many of us are starting to pay attention to the annual deep clean, but new research suggests we might be spending far more time on it than we need to. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... A new survey among 2,000 Brits, from online electrical retailers has found Scotland respondents spend an average of 4 and a half on a full spring clean, amounting to a whopping 14 million hours collectively across Scotland #CleanTok has taken over the internet, inspiring millions to clean their home with its oddly satisfying cleaning videos. 1 in 11 Scottish respondents say that social media motivates them to tackle their clutter. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad UK TikTok star Bea Elton (aka @cleanwithbea) has over 2 million followers by transforming hoarders' homes. She has shared her tips to make spring cleaning more productive and manageable: UK TikTok star Bea Elton (aka @cleanwithbea) Use your laundry timer as your spring clean timer: Start a laundry load and use the time left as your timer to clean your home. This approach makes cleaning feel more like a productive task instead of a never-ending to-do list. Plus, when you return to your laundry, it's ready to be put in the dryer or hung on the washing line, and you've cleaned a significant portion of your home in the meantime. Start a laundry load and use the time left as your timer to clean your home. This approach makes cleaning feel more like a productive task instead of a never-ending to-do list. Plus, when you return to your laundry, it's ready to be put in the dryer or hung on the washing line, and you've cleaned a significant portion of your home in the meantime. Tidy by task, not by room : Cleaning room by room can often mean hopping from one task to another, which can feel less efficient. A recommended strategy is to start with higher surfaces and work your way down, leaving floor cleaning until the end. For instance, if you clean floors first and then wipe down countertops, any dust or crumbs that fall could ruin the effort you just put in. Adopting this method not only saves time but also improves overall efficiency, making the cleaning process feel more manageable. : Cleaning room by room can often mean hopping from one task to another, which can feel less efficient. A recommended strategy is to start with higher surfaces and work your way down, leaving floor cleaning until the end. For instance, if you clean floors first and then wipe down countertops, any dust or crumbs that fall could ruin the effort you just put in. Adopting this method not only saves time but also improves overall efficiency, making the cleaning process feel more manageable. Let cleaning products 'marinate': Many cleaning products need time to break down grime, grease, and other stubborn stains. Spray surfaces including your hob, oven and countertops and let them soak any stains while you tackle something else. This gives the cleaner time to break down dirt and grime, so when you return to wipe it off, it requires minimal effort. A few extra minutes of soaking can save you time later and make cleaning less strenuous. Many cleaning products need time to break down grime, grease, and other stubborn stains. Spray surfaces including your hob, oven and countertops and let them soak any stains while you tackle something else. This gives the cleaner time to break down dirt and grime, so when you return to wipe it off, it requires minimal effort. A few extra minutes of soaking can save you time later and make cleaning less strenuous. Don't skip attachments: Many people overlook the power of vacuum attachments. Attach the soft brush tool to your vacuum cleaner, and use it to dust skirting boards, radiators, blinds, and light fixtures. The soft brush attachment is designed to lift dust without damaging delicate surfaces. The dust and dirt will be lifted from the wood and sucked straight into the vacuum cleaner, meaning it is one of the most efficient ways to dust. Plus, it also means that you don't have to get down on your hands and knees so it makes it a much easier job. The research also found what motivates us to do a thorough clean of our homes. The reasons for this seasonal cleaning ritual include: Scotland's Top Motivators for Spring Cleaning:
Buzz Feed
15-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
If You Despise Cleaning, These 25 Target Products Will Make You Loathe It A Little Less
We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page. If you're on CleanTok but don't actually *want* to clean, these are probably for you. 1. A Bissel carpet cleaner to give your rugs, couch cushions, upholstered chairs and decorative pillows the royal treatment. These loyal household members don't usually get the same attention as their hard-surface peers, but with this thing you can remove months, if not YEARS, of dust and dander in the space of a few minutes. Its compact size makes it highly transportable — which is good because ALL of your friends are going to want to take it for a test ride. Target Promising review:"So easy to use and it does a great job! It will definitely pay for itself, happy with my purchase." — Mj Price: $ 99.99 (originally $123.99) 2. A roller mop/scrubber to take on everything from mystery kitchen spills to bathroom grime (that kind that tends to overstay its welcome and seems impervious to every other cleaning device). Just roll, rinse, and boom – spotless floors without breaking a sweat. 3. And a designer door mat for when you want to make a stylish first impression before anyone even steps inside (not to mention stop dirt at the door). With a vibrant, verdant design, it screams, 'Welcome to a fun household!' while also saying, 'Wipe your shoes, please!' Target Promising review:"wanted a fun doormat and this fit the bill" — citygab 4. A power spin scrubber to make cleaning those hard-to-reach spots actually fun (yes, fun!). This extendable power scrubber can handle it all – whether it's the grout between your tiles or the soap scum that's been playing hide-and-seek on your shower wall. With powerful scrubbing action and adjustable length, you'll feel like a cleaning machine! Or, well, like you're using one at least 🦾. Target Promising review:"Im obsessed… This works 10000% better than scrubbing ever could. My shower is WHITE WHITE. Its insane I dont think it ever was this clean, and its a new house lol. Its so worth the money. Its such a good clean. I love it!!!" — Phoebe 5. A orange and rosemary cleaning concentrate to add some autumnal notes to your fall cleaning. Why does spring get to have all the fun?? Add a little of this plant-based cleaner to some water in a spray bottle or a mop bucket and get ready to be dazzled as your bathroom transforms into an oasis of clean. The itsy-bitsy bottle and the concentrated formula ensure your cleaning's not only apartment-friendly, but also planet-friendly since it spares our transport system a good bit of water weight. Target Promising review:"We usually buy scent-free "green" products and are very "smell sensitive" to synthetic fragrance in our household. We like this Grove. Co. concentrates a lot -- the smell is not offensive, and the cleaning power is terrific. It's easy to mix in a repurposed empty spray bottle (no need to buy one just for this). The plastic-free packaging is great. We've repeat-purchased this product several times at Target because it's a "keeper."" — Maggie Price: $7.99 6. A Levoit air purifyer since those of us who work from home spend a lot of time breathing the same air — and untreated indoor air can range from being a little stale to even causing fatigue! When the weather won't always cooperate with open windows, this powerful purifier will make sure you're breathing only the best. Target Promising review:"I bought this initially for a smoker issue in my apartment complex, but kept it for my allergies. The first day, the smoke smell in my new apartment went away completely within a few hours of using this thing. It has done WONDERS for my air quality in my apartment now living in a very allergy heavy area. The price point for how effective it works is a steal imo." — Daria Price: $89.99 7. And a jar of the Pink Stuff cleaning paste because, while TikTok might have made it famous, we come back to it since this stuff works! This cruelty-free, all-purpose cleaning paste will astonish you with it's nearly infinite applications and absolutely astonishing results. Just add a dab to your scrubber of choice, treat the area in question, and rinse with hot water. You'll swear this paste is more of a time machine than a cleaner. Target Promising review:"This stuff is amazing. I was skeptical because of all of the positive reviews and thought there was no way it could be THAT good. It truly is, this stuff has gotten out rings on stainless steel and bathroom stains. Cannot recommend enough." — AllyCat 8. A powerful scrubbing steam mop for those of us who will accept nothing less than literal cartoon sparkles shining from the floor once we're done cleaning. Combining rotating buffing pads with powerful steaming, this steam mop can thoroughly sanitize whatever hard floor surface it comes into contact with — and can do it chemical-free! Target 9. A extendable scrubber to keep you from having to switch from scrubber to scrubber and to help avoid the bathroom-cleaning-hunch so many of us assume is a necessary evil. No more! This scrubbing wand features a wide adjustment range that can go from medium to mop sized, or longer! Apply the cleaner of your choice and do your best Wayne Gretzky impression as you literally wipe the floor with your opponents (meaning dirt, of course). Target Promising review:"Made my cleaning experience effortless. You can reach higher up. Scrubs tiles, tub, glass shower door with less elbow grease. The scrub/sponge gets all shower residue off. Definitely purchase if you hate bending to clean, or you need to reach the unreachable surfaces in your tub/shower." — SL 10. A Dyson cordless stick vacuum because some of us want the Batmobile of handheld vacuums and refuse to settle for anything less. This trendy looking appliance isn't just another pretty face — the powerful Dyson vacuum technology inside traps dust and allergens as small as 0.3 microns. That's about a hundredth of the width of a human hair... divided in half! 🤯 Target Promising review:"Works great on my wood floors and on carpet. Long hair doesn't get tangled in the roller." — Pammie 11. An O-Cedar spin mop and bucket in case you haven't hopped on CleanTok's favorite trending wet mop. Hailed as the greatest thing since sliced bread, this mop combines a rotating mop handle with foot-powered centrifuge to produce a mop that basically wrings itself out. You'll wonder how you ever dealt with those old-fashioned yellow mop buckets and their squeeze-wringing design! Target Promising review:"Absolutely recommend this mop. Easy to use and wrings out the water very easily so you won't have soaking wet floors." — Makayla 12. Or try a reed oil diffuser if you're are all about passive solutions. This diffuser works great for spaces who could always use a little help in the smell department. Think entryways, so that your first step through the door sets the cozy-train in motion, or in your bathroom, to have a spa day every day. Great for those who already have a handful of essential oils or those who'd like to get in on the aromatherapy action! Target Promising review:"When it comes to home fragrances I always try to find the long lasting and concentrated one. This oil diffuser is amazing the smell is wonderful, lasts a REALLY long period and the essence does not go away, I highly recommended!!" — Marian 13. A Swiffer Wet Jet for the folks who are post mop-bucket (how edgy). While we have nothing against the old fashioned ways of cleaning, this ultra portable mopping solution comes with its own premixed floor detergent and disposable mop pads. If you've ever reversed an afternoon's worth of mopping by accidentally dumping the bucket a little off center, you may need one of these to trust the cleaning process again. 14. A posh and neutral cleaning caddy to channel your inner beige-fluencer. With its wooden handle grip and brushed steel body, this rust-resistant caddy will see you through many a cleaning-sesh and has capacity for days! Target Promising review:"I love how cute this looks! It also fits quite a bit of cleaning material. I love that it's not plastic so it's very sturdy." — Bells47 15. A toilet wand with disposable pads to leave your potty pristine while keeping a friendly distance from the bowl. This toilet wand comes with a handy caddy that keeps a stack of fresh, detergent-loaded scrubbing pads at the ready. Also, a handy button on the handle makes it easy to dispose of the scrubbers in the trash by ejecting them like an escape pod. Basically, it's about as 007 as a toilet wand can get! Target Promising review:"We all hate cleaning the toilets, right? Well this little Clorox toilet wand is easy to use and no need to attach the scrubber by hand. They click right in from the caddy." — Crystal B 16. Or! A Scrub Daddy PowerPaste and Scrub Mommy sponge for those of us who love a power couple. Seriously, we've all fallen for the entire Scrub family by this point. But now we have an all new reason to invite them over: a tough-on-grease paste that polishes, cleans and protects surfaces. Pair that with Scrub Mommy's magnificent design (did you know it's top-rack dishwasher safe??) and you're living space will go from meh to muah in no time! Target Promising review:"If you have a glass shower door — immediately yes, buy now!! You don't have to use much paste. Was able to do entire job without taking breaks (like I do for stronger scented cleaners). Followed directions and at the end I used a slightly damp microfiber cloth to get the last bit of residue." — B 17. A six-pack of microfiber cleaning cloths since paper towels are so over. JK! We love you paper towels! 🤧 That being said, for general housekeeping this multi-pack has got your back for all your cleaning needs. Dusting? Nothing dusts like an ultra-fine microfiber. Need something more heavy-duty? Waffled texture's got you covered. Best of all, they're a quick wash away from being ready for another clean-a-thon. Your wallet, and a few trees, will definitely thank you. Target 18. A pack of Scrubbing Bubbles drop-in toilet cleaners for an analogue way to automate everyone's favorite task... (I'm joking, obvi). For those who would rather maintain a hard-fought clean for as long as possible, these handy tablets keep your potty clean and germ-free for up to four weeks. Target Promising review:"I love how clean these keep my toilets and how they prevent water lines!! I wish they lasted a bit longer but I love opening the toilet seat and seeing blue water as if I just cleaned my toilet each time." — Morgan W 20. A Swiffer wet and dry sweeper because one is the loneliest number, and that's why we chose this heavy duty Swiffer which not only boasts two functions but also a 50% gain in sweeper width. (1.5 is definitely less lonely than one, I mean c'mon!) From wet to dry and from window to wall, this capable addition to your household cleaning tools will save you time and valuable cleaning closet space. Target 21. And a package of heavy-duty pet Swiffer pads for the ones whose fur babies seem like 99% fur and 1% baby. (Still love you, Sprinkles!!) These 3D textured sweeping cloths trap and lock stray shedding and most allergens from dog and cat dander. Add in the deodorizing power of Febreze, and we'll bet you'll hear the words all pet owners dream of: "I didn't know you had a pet!" Target Promising review:"We have four English springer spaniels and without these Swiffers I don't know what I'd do. The 'good for dog' vacuum cleaner rollers have hair wrapped around the rollers! What a pain. Swiffer's no problem and I can get under the furniture. So easy to clean." — grandmama 22. An oven cleaning spray I'm honestly considering making my emergency contact. Within seconds of being applied, this stuff absolutely melts the caked-on grease and grime your oven seems really committed to holding on to. Target Promising review:"Hands-down the best! Very versatile, I even use this to remove super stubborn stains from glass stove top. I leave it there for a longer time and wipe it off, instantly cleaned. I didn't even need to scrub. I had my sister try this on her disgusting stove with a super thick layer of accumulated grease on top (ewwww!) and it worked like a charm!" — Z 23. A cashmere vanilla linen spray for when your bedroom needs a dash of crème brûlée and enchanté. While this list abounds in tough grime-removers and space-sparklers, sometimes a quick bedroom misting is all we have time for on a busy day. This luxurious spray does triple duty, as it can be used on linens, hair/body, or just as a way to give your air a little freshening. Target 24. A squeegee broom that feels like it's from the future – and works like it, too! This silicone-lipped broom does a dazzling job getting wet messes contained, but also does most of what your un-cleanable bristle broom does with way less yuck. Target Promising review:"This is a decent substitute for a portable stick vacuum. My Dyson died and I couldn't afford a replacement. This gets most of the pet hair and dirt off my stairs and from the corners a full sized vacuum can't easily reach. Definitely better than a regular bristle broom and can stretch out the time needed between full vacuum jobs. Also an easy rinse or wipe to clean. Just be sure to hang it to store or store it upside down, or the blade will warp." — wsomes Price: $34.99 25. And finally, a cordless handheld vacuum which specializes in pet hair. Seriously, if our pets weren't the best things that ever happened to us, we may not be able to justify all the extra cleaning. 😭 Luckily for them — and even luckier for us — we have powerful vacuums like this one to help us lighten the load. For those of us who want a mini vacuum to do quick jobs (like the car) or whose cleaning needs don't warrant a full-sized or stick vacuum, this little dynamo will keep you and your space clean. Target Promising review:"I have a bunny and this little machine sucks up all the loose pieces of hay, hay dust. I also use it to clean the mess I made from the countertop after cooking. Also use it to vacuum the countertop. Very versatile. I have a Dyson which I use to vacuum the ground, hardwood floor and carpet. I feel changing the head of the Dyson and removing the rod is too much work if you just want to vacuum something real quick. I always plug this machine back to charge. So I wouldn't run out of juice." — Lily Price: $79.99 (originally $99.99) The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.
The Independent
27-01-2025
- General
- The Independent
8 best electric cleaning brushes to take the elbow grease out of scrubbing
If you want to clean deeper around taps, hobs and along grout lines, without expending any extra energy, the best electric cleaning brushes could change the way you do your chores. The beauty of an electric cleaning brush is that it can remove a huge amount of dirt, while you barely have to lift a finger. If you think that sounds good, you're not alone – the SonicScrubber electric cleaning brush has gone viral on TikTok, reaching more than 35 million views. If you've ever fallen down a #CleanTok hole or watched a few cleaning videos on TikTok, you might have seen electric cleaning brushes being used to clean a variety of items, from bathroom tiles and sinks to toasters and even trainers. Push a button and the brush oscillates several times a minute, similar to an electric toothbrush, to dislodge dirt you might not have been able to shift with elbow grease alone. Some electric cleaning brushes have extendable handles, so you can use them to reach tricky spots, while others are more compact and therefore easier to store. Prices start at around £10 and range to upwards of £60, but how much should you pay and which model will really make a difference to your cleaning routine? We've put several designs to the test, to bring you our pick of the best electric cleaning brushes to add to your cupboard. How we tested We tested each brush for a minimum of two weeks, using each model on a variety of surfaces, including tiled walls, bathroom fixtures, kitchen countertops and grouting. For consistency, we used the same cleaning products, so we knew it was the brush making the difference and not our sprays and liquids. To measure durability, we ran each brush for extended cleaning sessions, checking for battery life and power as well as comfort levels in our hands. Noise levels were noted during operation, and attachments were tested for effectiveness across surfaces. This helped us work out which devices could clean the most areas in our home and which offered the best value for money. Why you can trust us The Independent 's round-ups feature only products that have been tried and tested by the team. For this review, veteran IndyBest reviewer Zoe Griffin has tested electric cleaning brushes in her own bathroom, using them as you would, over a prolonged period. Well-versed in assessing home appliances and cleaning products, Zoe has written about everything from electric heaters to cordless vacuum cleaners and has had a wealth of testing experience to draw on while assessing the products she reviews. The best electric cleaning brushes for 2025 are:
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Experts say viral ‘Cleantok' trend posing danger with household chemicals
Safety experts are issuing a warning about a popular social media trend that involves household chemicals found in many of our homes. From cleaning tips to home organization, #Cleantok might appear harmless. The plethora of cleaning videos on TikTok and other social media platforms are racking up billions of views. Millions of videos with the hashtag #CleanTok portray decluttering, organizational, and cleaning trends that might make your home look nice. However, some of the inspirational aesthetics are bringing potential serious health risks to families. 'What they're really doing, though, is putting style over safety,' said Brian Sansoni, senior vice president of the American Cleaning Institute. Sansoni said parents are unintentionally creating the danger by storing laundry pods in decorative containers. 'You should always keep laundry pods, all your cleaning products in their original containers, which are meant to be child resistant,' he said. He said that trendy presentation can make the laundry pods more appealing and accessible to kids. The American Cleaning Institute looked at social media trends over a four-year period and found more than 800,000 mentions or displays of laundry packets being placed in clear jars. 'This is something where the liquid in that package is under pressure. So as soon as they bite into it, it honestly just comes shooting out of the package,' said Michelle Preston, with the Massachusetts & Rhode Island Poison Center at Boston Children's Hospital. Preston said there are other dangerous examples of mixing household cleaning products that cause toxic vapors in your home. 'It's a lot of people who, unfortunately, just don't know the risk. They mix the products together,' she explained. 'They think it's going to be okay, and then there is an immediate chemical reaction.' That includes the #ToiletOverload trend that involves mixing powders and colorful liquids in the toilet bowl. Another risky fad is the #productoverload trend that involves dousing a combination of cleaning products in toilets, sinks and bathtubs before they get flushed, scrubbed or rinsed. 'Mixing things that may have bleach or another product that may have acid or ammonia that can actually make a toxic gas, a toxic vapor,' said Preston. The unintended consequence of mixing chemicals proved deadly at a Buffalo Wild Wings in Burlington back in 2019. A restaurant employee cleaned the kitchen floor with the acidic cleaning agent 'Scale Kleen' and didn't know the chlorine and bleach-based cleaner 'Super 8″ had spilled on the floor earlier. The accidental mixing created toxic fumes that led to the death of manager Ryan Baldera and sent 13 others to the hospital. The National Capital Poison Center warns: -Mixing bleach with an acidic cleaner releases a chlorine gas, which was used as a chemical warfare agent in World War I -Mixing bleach and ammonia makes chloramine gas, which causes coughing 'I think there's an air of safety to these things because they're sold at the store,' added Preston. 'It really knocks you back. It's just that strong.' An excessive amount of mixed chemicals can also clog or even damage pipes that they pass through. According to the American Cleaning Institute, accidental exposures to household cleaning products is the second leading cause of calls to poison control centers across the country. 41% of those calls are placed for children under 5 years old. If you have small children at home, it's a good idea to add the number for poison control to your contacts: 1-800-222-1222. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
